Dome build: Standing up for itself.

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Tuesday: The stands arrived in the post. They work okay but lack lateral rigidity. So I'm going to add several, simple, timber stands as well. Hopefully to reduce the risk of the whole lot moving sideways [and collapsing] in a high wind. These will also provide more even support without having to buy more adjustable stands.

Eight stands meant they were separated by a meter around the perimeter of the base ring. Adding three timber props will narrow the spacing. As can be seen by the first assembly up on the stands. [Left.]

I am also experimenting with a central pole and support disk to ensure the dome is the correct height. The pole must not protrude or it will pierce the tarpaulins. The pole's disk height adjustment is surprisingly sensitive due to the natural stiffness of the dome. I have now arranged the slit on the far side [East] where we usually get the least wind. It is also much handier for the workshop door. Which should save quite a lot of walking. 

The stands do indeed provide a comfortable working height inside. I can get a much better sense of scale now. The downside is the ease with which cats, foxes, pheasants and blackbirds can hide under there. Though probably not all at the same time!

The timber props cured the previous wobbles when using the stands alone. I may make another timber prop to allow them to stand at 90° to each other around the ring. Adding 1"x2" to each side of the 2"x6" uprights would stiffen the structures considerably. Now guess what? We shall have 40mph winds on Thursday with lots of rain for the next couple of days. I had better make that fourth timber prop and rig up some guy lines! Or, I may take the dome down and pack it away in the octagon for a couple of days. It's only a matter of removing the 48+ spring clamps. Assembly and dismantling of the gores/segments takes less than a 1/4 of an hour each time now thanks to my considerable practice. 

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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